Hydraulic assistance for the release sequence

U-girder demoulding requires the mould surfaces to separate from the concrete without uncontrolled movement or interference with the finished element. Hydraulic side formwork can provide controlled motion where manual adjustment would be slow or impractical, but the cylinder arrangement must be matched to the mould geometry and release sequence.

Realjet reviews the required travel, cylinder force, pivot locations, support reactions and locking method before defining the hydraulic system. Mechanical stops and locks remain important because hydraulic pressure alone should not be treated as the only means of securing a mould during production work.

Product characteristics

  • project-specific steel side forms for U-girder or U-beam profiles;
  • hydraulic cylinders positioned for the approved opening direction and stroke;
  • rigid support frames and bases coordinated with mould reactions;
  • mechanical locating and locking points for casting positions;
  • grouped controls selected for safe, understandable operation;
  • hose routing and protection planned around access and moving parts;
  • inspection space for hinges, pins, cylinders and structural connections.

The hydraulic sequence can be coordinated with end-form removal, prestress release, lifting preparation and component transfer. Final operating logic depends on the customer's process and safety assessment.

Application scenarios

Hydraulic side formwork is suitable for repeated U-girder production in bridge yards, highway projects, viaduct factories and other precast operations using large inclined mould faces. It is particularly relevant where mould sections are heavy, opening space is limited or production timing requires a defined release sequence.

To develop the system, the project team should provide component drawings, concrete strength at release, lifting method, available clearance, planned cycle and utility conditions. Site foundations and anchor arrangements must also suit the loads transferred by the formwork.

Realjet capabilities

Realjet combines mechanical design, steel fabrication, hydraulic assembly and workshop testing for project-specific precast equipment. Hydraulic side forms can be supplied individually or coordinated with a wider precast beam factory solution.

For supporting frames, machinery bases and other fabricated assemblies, Realjet provides made-to-drawing contract manufacturing. Our team reviews the operating sequence and equipment interfaces before the manufacturing scope is confirmed.